Qualifying for Over 50 Life Insurance with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Ryan CravitzPosted in Life Insurance last updated on June 24, 2019

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates as many as 2.5 Million Americans, mostly between the ages of 40 and 60 years old, are living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Are you one of them? Do you need help qualifying for 50+ life insurance?

If the answer is “yes” then you’re in the right place!

I’ve had years of experience getting affordable life insurance for people with autoimmune diseases like Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

So I know there’s hope for you too!

Of course, being diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) does make buying life insurance a bit more challenging.

And, to be totally honest, there are some life insurance carriers that prefer not to insure someone with CFS.

However, the majority of insurance companies ARE willing to cover you.

The most important thing is to work with an experienced agent, like myself, that knows which life insurers will be inclined to offer you coverage at a reasonable price.

In fact, most life insurance companies will offer a applicants with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome a Standard Rating with average premiums.

Let’s dive in to all you need to know about qualifying for over 50 life insurance with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Insurance Rating Snapshot: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Check out this information I put together about how most insurance companies rate applicants suffering from ME/CFS.

Impact on Application: Possibly Significant
·Best Rating: Standard (Average Premiums)
Common Rating: Substandard/Table Rating (minimum of 25% rate up)
·Main Factors: Medications, Impact on Daily Activities

Pro Tip: Insurance ratings are NOT just about ME/CFS. Insurance carriers are also factoring-in your lifestyle choices, habits, and health history.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rating Classes for Life Insurance

Most people are shocked by how many different rating classes and premium categories there are for life insurance.

So let’s first do a quick review of what type of life insurance ratings are actually available.

By understanding the info I’ve put together below, you’ll be better prepared to shop for life insurance once you’ve reached 50, 60 or older.

The chart below is a great place to start because it breaks down the various ratings, the guideline for assigning each rate class, and how ratings can change your monthly bill.

Rating	Reason For Rating	Premium Pricing
Preferred Plus	Healthiest, Lowest Risk Applicants	Best Pricing Possible
Preferred	Very Healthy, Low Risk	Better Than Average
Standard	Controlled Medical Condition	Average Pricing
Sub-Standard (aka Table Rating)	Chronic Illness (Moderate to Severe)	Below Average Pricing, about a 25% rate up per Table

Pro Tip: Insurance Company A might give you a Substandard/Table 2 Rating with a 50% mark-up in premium. Yet insurance Company B might give you a Standard Rating with the basic policy premiums.

This is because life insurers may have slightly different rating guidelines depending on the health issue involved.

That’s why it’s so important to know the best life insurance companies for people over 50 and how they will look at your application.

I can help you do that!

Ratings for Applicants with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Mild ME/CFS Symptoms

This is the most common outcome for most applicants with ME/CFS.

Of course, a Standard Rating is only attainable if….

You have mild symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
You were diagnosed more than a year ago
You are still active in your daily life (i.e. working, exercising, driving, etc.)
You do not take immunosuppressive drugs to treat your condition
You have no related medical conditions caused by your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
You have no mental health conditions caused by your CFS
You regularly consult with your rheumatologist and follow their instructions

Pro Tip: Life insurers are some times more worried about the long-term physical effects of taking immunosuppressive medications than the actual autoimmune disease itself.

That’s because these types of prescribed drugs can increase your chances of getting a serious infection and strain your kidneys…among other things.

Moderate ME/CFS Symptoms

You may get a Substandard/Table Rating if you have moderate symptoms of CFS which occasionally keeps you home from work or personal engagements.

You also take a low dose of prescription meds (like Enbrel, Humira, or Remicade) for your ME/CFS.

Maybe you’re also dealing with depression or anxiety caused by your CFS.

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you the exact Table Rating you’ll receive because each applicant is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Severe ME/CFS Symptoms

Maybe you take high doses of immunosuppressive drugs to control the extreme fatigue, muscle aches, and foggy memory.

You may feel very depressed because of your chronic condition and its negative impact on all areas of your life.

At this point, you may have stopped working because CFS has caused you to become disabled.

Despite your best efforts, perhaps your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has become so severe that you’re not able to independently complete Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

This means you need help to do basic tasks like showering or dressing.

So what happens if you have severe symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Is there still hope of getting life insurance?

Yes, there is!

I’ve witnessed those with severe ME/CFS receive a variety of ratings…all different Substandard Table Ratings or even the addition of a Flat Extra to the premium.

I have to tell you the complete truth. There is always the risk of receiving a decline from most traditional carriers if….

Your body has been compromised because of your CFS
You’re currently on disability because of your CFS

What’s a Flat Extra?

In case you’ve never heard of a Flat Extra, I put together this basic explanation.

A Flat Extra is a surcharge of, let’s say, $10 to $50 per $1,000 in coverage. This Flat Extra will be applied by the life insurer for a designated amount of time.

Once the time period has passed then you pay the basic premium amount, without the extra fee.

Life insurers sometimes use a Flat Extra when the applicant is trying to get a health condition under control. This gives the person time to do so while still protecting the carrier from the additional risk.

Call me today so we can talk about your specific experience with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well as what your unique rating might be.

The Application: Basic Questions

The insurance companies use these details to create a profile for you and figure out your final life insurance rating.

The general questions you’ll be asked….

1. What’s your age, height, and weight?

2. Do you still work? If so, what’s your occupation?

3. Do you have a history of drug or alcohol use?

4. What’s your history of prescription medications? Medical care? Surgeries? Hospitalizations?

5. What your hobbies and leisure activities?

6. How is your motor vehicle record? Accidents? DUIs? Tickets?

7. Do you use tobacco?

Pro Tip: There are special, more costly “tobacco rates” for people that use tobacco like cigarettes. If you gave up using tobacco a minimum of 12 months ago then you can qualify for non-smoker pricing.

Each insurance company views tobacco use a bit differently. It’s best if we work together to find the life insurer that meets your needs.

The Application: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Questions

Here’s my list of the most frequently asked CFS questions. You should expect to answer these questions during your application.

At what age were you diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
How did your doctor confirm your diagnosis?
Did your doctor exclude other causes or diseases?
What’s the severity of your CFS symptoms?
Using the Pain Scale of 1 – 10, how much discomfort are you in on a daily basis?
What, if any, medications do you take to treat your CFS?
Have you had any complications from using the prescribed drugs?
Have you had any problems with your mobility or your joints?
Are you able to independently complete Activities of Daily Living (ADL)?
Has CFS caused you to take time off work? If so, how many days have you missed in the last 12 months?
Has CFS caused you to have any mental health issues like depression?
Have you ever been hospitalized because of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Protect Your Family Today

Millions of people throughout the nation live with the exhaustion, aches, and pains of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

If you are one of those people, please don’t think you’re uninsurable. That’s not necessarily true!

You can bet, there are excellent life insurance policies available that will protect your family’s financial future…..regardless of your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

I can help point you in the right direction. Let’s get started today.

Call me right away and I’ll help you secure the most affordable life insurance you can get.

And, if you’re curious, complete the form to receive 50+ life insurance quotes.